O Tuama relates of shelter and welcome to the journey of life making full use of poetry, stories and biblical reflection Church of England Newspaper The author's Christianity is a more inclusive, learned and subtler version than the one I grew up with... If I had a teacher like O Tuama, I might have kept my soul's wagon hitched to Jesus, instead of switching to Buddha... The most staunch of atheists would find inspiration and, if I may use the hackneyed phrase, life lessons in its pages. It is infused with bruised, loving and confused humanity. For believers it is infused with a bruised, loving God... This is not an easy, cosy read. It is challenging, erudite, poetic... A book to be kept at one's bedside for those dark nights of the soul when sleep evades, for though it may not be cosy, it offers us ways of accepting life as it is, of standing still in the moment, and it offers the courage needed not to run from fear... Independent.ie Padraig's wonderful book, In the Shelter: Finding a home in the world is a patchwork of reflections, poems and true stories. It takes the reader to some tough places, with calmness and hope, letting us into the story of someone facing the hard task of growing up whole in Ireland in the 1980s. It's also an inspiring guide to the kind of conversations that bring peace and understanding between people. -- Steve Tomkins Reform Magazine Padraig O Tuama provides a gateway into mindfulness from a Christian perspective. Christianity Magazine He weaves together scripture, literature and poetry into a rich tapestry... This is certainly a book I will return to- I imagine again and again. Reform Magazine If you're thinking about your own story, and your place in the world, and you appreciate a poetic, imaginative style, you'll enjoy and be challenged by this text. Third Way Magazine 'Padraig O Tuama writes with a winsome, delicate charm that makes the reading of this book a delight. It is less a book than a conversation; a conversation, a confession even, with a friend who is learning to be so self-aware and aware of you.This is a pastoral book, written from the point of view of one who has learned much about identity, compassion, healing and reconciliation.' The Methodist Recorder [a] 'profound, fluent and and searching spiritual autobiography.' 'His theology is seasoned by resilience and reality; his poetry by a journalistic dedication to the power of story.' The Church Times ONE OF THE MAGAZINE'S BOOKS OF THE YEAR 'Wonderful book... an inspiring guide to the kind of conversations that bring peace and understanding between people'. Reform Magazine 5 * review 'Everyone will find something of use or interest to them on their journey. It will certainly give you encouragement to keep on searching.' Preach Magazine
